If you're a salon owner thinking about hiring your first assistant—or you're already in the thick of it—this episode is for you. I’m diving deep into the truth behind what it really takes to bring someone onto your team… and it’s probably not what you’ve been told.

We’re talking about why most salon owners wait way too long to hire, the uncomfortable (but necessary) mindset shifts, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with leadership. Spoiler alert: it’s never going to feel “perfect,” and yes, it’s going to challenge you more than anything else in your career. But the growth on the other side? Unmatched.

In this episode, I share:

• Why waiting for the “perfect time” to hire will hold you back

• The truth about bringing on your first assistant (hint: it starts selfishly, but that changes fast)

• What no one tells you about the hard days, the heartbreak, and the leadership lessons

• Why people leaving your salon isn’t a reflection of your worth or your leadership

• The reminder every salon owner needs: people will come and go—and that’s okay

Whether you’re hiring for the first time or navigating the emotions of growing a team, this episode is packed with real talk and encouragement to help you keep going.

Links & Resources:

• Ready to train your assistant with structure and confidence? Learn more about The Assistant University Here 👉🏼 https://lg-education.mykajabi.com/AUpresale

• Wondering if you're ready to hire an assistant? Take our quick quiz to find out where you stand and get personalized insights on your next steps! ⤵️

  https://form.typeform.com/to/XXRydVkd

  
  

  Suggest podcast topics here⤵️

  https://forms.gle/AzRucZytSzStYy1aA 

  
  

  Follow us on social!

  Instagram: @lacey_gebo

  Facebook: The New Era of Assistant Training

  
  

In this episode of Level Up with Lacey, I’m taking it back to the beginning — to the version of me who was scared to spend a dime on her business. The one who second-guessed every investment, worried about every dollar, and didn’t yet understand what true growth required.

Whether you're just starting out or you're standing on the edge of your next big move, this one’s for YOU.

I’m sharing the 6 things I wish someone had told me when I was scared to invest — the mindset shifts, lessons, and money truths that helped me stop playing small and start building the business I have today.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Why smart investing isn’t reckless — it’s strategic.

• The difference between spending and scaling.

• What to look for in a course, coach, or program before handing over your card.

• How I learned to trust myself with money (even when it felt terrifying).

• What happens when you wait too long to bet on yourself.

• And the real return on investing in education, systems, and support.

This episode is your permission slip to think bigger.
Because playing small won't get you where you’re going — and I’m here to help you go all in.

🎧 Tune in now and tag me if this one hits home!

Wondering if you're ready to hire an assistant? Take our quick quiz to find out where you stand and get personalized insights on your next steps! ⤵️

⁠https://form.typeform.com/to/XXRydVkd⁠

Join the AU Waitlist ⤵️

https://lg-education.kit.com/b49e10d384

Follow us on social!

Instagram: @lacey_gebo

Facebook: The New Era of Assistant Training

What happens when you find yourself in back-to-back rooms with some of the most powerful women in business?

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most surreal weeks of my business journey — from a private mastermind in Nashville with my coach and mentor Amy Porterfield, to hopping on a plane and joining Britt Seva and the Thrivers Community at the X Retreat in San Antonio.

Talk about a pinch-me moment (or two).

But this wasn’t just a fun week — it was a game-changing one.

These rooms were packed with high-level women who are leading, scaling, and structuring their businesses in completely different ways… and thriving.

It reminded me that:
👉🏼My way isn’t the only way.
👉🏼Success leaves clues.
👉🏼 And the fastest way to grow? Get in the room with people who are already doing it.

In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and unexpected takeaways from this whirlwind week.

Inside this episode, you’ll hear:

• What it’s really like to be in the room with Amy Porterfield and Britt Seva
• My biggest takeaways from watching powerful women lead their teams
• Why there is no one-size-fits-all way to structure your business
• What “success leaves clues” looks like in real time
• How these rooms expanded my vision and challenged my old beliefs

If you’re ready for a shot of inspiration and a reminder that you belong in powerful rooms too — this one’s for you.

💫 Let it be proof that your next level is already waiting for you.

Wondering if you're ready to hire an assistant? Take our quick quiz to find out where you stand and get personalized insights on your next steps! ⤵️

⁠https://form.typeform.com/to/XXRydVkd⁠ 

Join the AU Waitlist ⤵️

https://lg-education.kit.com/b49e10d384

Follow us on social!

Instagram: @lacey_gebo

Facebook: The New Era of Assistant Training 

“I’m canceling my appointment. The price I paid? No way. Disappointing.”

That was the message my student (and dear friend) received from a client — and she was crushed. The client didn’t understand why an assistant had worked on her, questioned the pricing, and accused her of being unethical.

Oof. Those texts hit hard — especially when you’re working so hard to build something bigger than yourself.

But here’s the truth:
If you’ve ever received feedback like this… you are not failing.
Your assistant program is not broken.
And you do not have to crumble every time someone doesn’t understand your vision.

In this episode, I’m walking you through what to do when clients question your pricing, your team structure, or your leadership — especially when emotions are high and doubts start to creep in.

Because moments like this? They’re not the end — they’re a part of the growth.

Inside this episode, we’ll unpack:

• The exact message a client sent that left one of my students reeling
• Why feedback like this stings — and how to process it without spiraling
• What this kind of pushback really means (and doesn’t mean) about your business
• How to respond with leadership, clarity, and confidence
• Why building an assistant program will always come with a learning curve — for you and your clients

This is the pep talk you need when things feel shaky and you’re questioning it all.

🎧 Tune in now
💬 DM me your thoughts after you listen — I’d love to know what this brought up for you.

Wondering if you're ready to hire an assistant? Take our quick quiz to find out where you stand and get personalized insights on your next steps! ⤵️

https://form.typeform.com/to/XXRydVkd 

Follow us on social!

Instagram: @lacey_gebo

Facebook: The New Era of Assistant Training 

Let’s talk about silence — not as weakness, but as power.

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a tough chapter in my leadership journey. Earlier this year, I released a podcast episode that stirred up some real emotions — especially with a few former team members. I almost didn’t post it. I questioned everything, even texting Mel asking, “Should we really release this?” But I knew in my gut that I needed to share my truth.

What happened next?
I got pages of feedback from past employees — some hadn’t worked with me for over six months. I asked for honesty, and they gave it to me. Some of it was helpful. Some of it hurt. A lot.

And to top it off… it all unfolded in the middle of our big Assistant University launch.

People were texting me, “Did you see what so-and-so said?” Screenshots were flying. Stories were being posted. The pressure to respond? Massive.

But I didn’t.

Instead, I chose silence.
I chose leadership over drama.
I chose peace over pettiness.

This episode is about what that season taught me — about boundaries, maturity, and trusting yourself even when it feels like the world is watching.

Because not everything deserves your energy.
And sometimes, the most powerful move you can make is saying nothing at all.

Inside this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why getting the “last word” doesn’t always serve you
• What happened behind the scenes after a vulnerable episode went live
• The emotional rollercoaster of receiving unfiltered feedback
• How I handled public criticism during one of the biggest launches of my business
• Why silence can be the strongest response as a leader

If you’re navigating leadership, boundaries, or backlash right now… this one’s for you.

💬 Let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lacey_gebo — and if this episode hit home, screenshot it and share it with a fellow salon owner who needs it too.

Listen to the previous episode mentioned here-  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/level-up-with-lacey/id1680369235?i=1000685658266 

Grab our One-on-One Guide here ⤵️

https://lg-education.kit.com/34c2734255

Follow us on social!

Instagram: @lacey_gebo

Facebook: The New Era of Assistant Training 

Ever feel like the days fly by and you’re left wondering where your time actually went?
Yep — I’ve been there too.

In this episode, I’m sharing the exact strategies that helped me go from constantly overwhelmed and “on call” 24/7… to feeling more focused, more protected, and more in control of my schedule.

We all get the same 24 hours. But how you spend them? That’s what determines your peace, your productivity, and your progress. I’m breaking down the three time management tools I use every week to protect my energy and get the rightthings done — without burning out.

And yes, I’m also sharing the real talk moment that stung a little… when a friend told me I wasn’t “reachable” anymore — and how that comment became a confirmation that my boundaries were finally sticking.

Inside this episode:

• My two go-to tools for tracking and planning your time (Toggl + Color Blocking)
• Why time blocking only works when you actually honor it
• How learning to say no and creating space saved my sanity (and my business)

If you’re tired of your time slipping through the cracks, press play. These strategies will help you lead with intention, protect your energy, and finally feel in control of your calendar.

🎧 Listen now and start making your time work for you — not against you.

Grab our time blocking activity here ⤵️

https://lg-education.kit.com/417a184004

Use toggle.com to help track time 

Let’s talk about the unsexy hour that completely transformed my business.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the one hour each week that made the biggest difference in my salon’s financial health — and no, I’m not the one categorizing every transaction.

From bi-weekly meetings with my CFO to reviewing monthly P&Ls and making data-backed decisions, I’m sharing exactly what this rhythm looks like inside both LG and Salon Lace. If you're avoiding your numbers, overwhelmed by QuickBooks, or just hoping things “work out” — this episode is your sign to shift that.

Because your business can’t grow if you’re flying blind.

🔍 What You'll Learn:

• How I structure my financial review rhythm (without doing it all myself)
• Why a P&L isn’t just for tax season — it’s your roadmap
• The mindset shift that helped me take ownership without drowning in the details

💡 Key Reminder:

You don’t need to know it all. But you do need to make it a priority.

🎧 Tune in to hear how one hour a week became a non-negotiable habit that changed everything.

CFO Recommendation ⤵️

Tim McDermott, PMP, ITIL

Your Small Business CFO & Numbers Guy

@timjmcdermott

[email protected]

Grab our One-on-One Guide here ⤵️

https://lg-education.kit.com/34c2734255

Follow us on social!

Instagram: @lacey_gebo

Facebook: The New Era of Assistant Training 

Ever feel like you’re either winning big or completely failing? That black-and-white thinking kept me stuck for years — and in this episode, I’m sharing how running a half marathon (and nearly falling apart during it) became the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed.

I’ll break down how the all-or-nothing mindset shows up in your business, keeps you in perfection mode, and delays the growth you’re working so hard for. More importantly, you’ll learn how to shift into progress-focused thinking that actually builds momentum — even when things feel messy.

This episode is your permission to stop waiting for perfect, start taking action now, and finally move forward with confidence.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1. Flexibility fuels growth – Missed goals aren’t failures. They’re feedback.
2. Launch before you’re ready – Imperfect action is better than no action.
3. Ask better questions – When quitting feels tempting, ask: “What’s the next step if quitting wasn’t an option?”

🎧 Hit play and let’s break the cycle of all-or-nothing thinking — for good.

Grab our One-on-One Guide here ⤵️

https://lg-education.kit.com/34c2734255

Follow us on social!

Instagram: @lacey_gebo

Facebook: The New Era of Assistant Training 

In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Yacenda Burnside, owner of Studio H Salon in Wichita, KS, and mom of two little ones in the thick of the baby years.

Heather shares candidly about the exhausting, beautiful, and chaotic season of balancing babies and business—and what she’s learned about grace, and redefining success along the way.

Inside this episode:

• What life looks like right now with two young kids and a growing salon

• Boundaries that help her stay (somewhat) sane

• Encouragement for moms who are in the trenches of early motherhood

Heather’s honesty and heart will resonate with any salon owner who’s doing it all.

👉🏼 Follow Heather on Instagram:
@heatheryacendahair

In this deeply moving episode, I talk with Hayle Hendrix, a mom of two and owner of Salon Envy and The Willow Salon in Owasso, OK.

Hayle opens up about her traumatic experience during the birth of her second child. She shares how she’s overcome struggles to not only build two successful salons but also pour back into her community in meaningful ways.

Inside this conversation:

• Hayle’s journey through trauma, healing, and rebuilding

• The challenges of balancing recovery, motherhood, and business ownership

• What helped her keep going through some of her darkest days

• How motherhood has shaped her definition of success

• The powerful ways she’s now giving back to others

Hayle’s vulnerability, grit, and heart are truly inspiring. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing personal challenges while chasing their dreams.

👉🏼 Follow Hayle & her businesses on Instagram:
@the.glowing.goddess_
@salonenvyowasso
@thewillowsalonowasso